The staggering true story behind hit BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes
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To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. SAS Rogue Heroes has returned to the BBC for a second season, charting the formation of the elite British military force.
![[SAS Rogue Heroes,04-12-2022,Ep6,6,David Stirling (CONNOR SWINDELLS),Kudos,Rory Mulvey]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_136760147-7070.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit in the British Army, which was first formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War Two. It was founded as a regiment by Sir David Stirling, played bySex Education’s Connor Swindells, but was disbanded following the war in 1945 and then reinstated two years later.
![[Sir David Stirling, founder of the SAS, memorial statue, near Stirling, Scotland.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-686968758.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The deep-penetration commando unit still exists today although its exact operations are strictly confidential. However, it is involved in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and covert reconnaissance. SAS Rogue Heroes is based on the true story of how the SAS formed during the Second World War.
![[EMBARGOED TO 0001 FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of (left-right)Jack O'Connell as Paddy Mayne, Dominic West as Dudley Clarke and Sofia Boutella as Eve in the second series of SAS Rogue Heroes. Issue date: Friday December 27, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ RogueHeroes. Photo credit should read: Robert Viglasky/Banijay Rights/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234301383-b92b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The founding members of the SAS are depicted in the series – David Stirling, a Scottish officer in the army and a mountaineer; Paddy Mayne, a British Army officer who was also an amateur boxer and a lawyer; and Jock Lewes, who was the founding principal training officer and invented the Lewes bomb.
![[SAS Rogue Heroes 2,01-01-2025,Portraits,1,Bill Stirling (GWILYM LEE),Banijay UK,Robert Viglasky]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_233647153-cef8.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Stirling was the founder and creator of the regiment, which came into being in 1941. Stirling’s army career started after he began training to climb Mount Everest – with the ambition to be the first man to do so. However, the Second World War broke out so he volunteered for a commando unit in the Middle East.
